Effects of protective knee bracing on speed and agility

We evaluated the effects of prophylactic knee braces on athlete speed and a gility, as well as brace tendency to migrate. Thirty college football playe rs in full gear ran a 40-yard dash and a four-cone agility drill wearing br aces on both knees or no brace (control), Braces included the DonJoy Legend , Breg Tradition, OMNI-AKS 101W, McDavid Knee Guard, and models 1 and 2 of the Air Armor Knee and Thigh Protection System. Brace migration and subject ive measures were recorded after each trial. In the 40-yard dash, times usi ng Air Armor 1 and OMNI did not differ significantly from control. Times wi th other braces were significantly slower. In the four-cone drill, only the Breg times were significantly slower than control. The Air Armor 1 and McD avid braces showed significantly less superior/inferior migration in the 40 -yard dash than other braces. In the four-cone drill, the Air Armor 1 and 2 showed significantly less superior/inferior migration than other braces. T hese findings indicate that selected knee braces do not significantly reduc e speed or agility. Braces showed a variable tendency to migrate, which cou ld affect their protective function and athlete performance. This informati on will help athletes and coaches decide about knee-brace use during sports ; studies are needed regarding whether braces protect against knee injury. This study does not constitute an endorsement of knee-brace use or efficacy .